The network
Plasma is an important tool for the production of high-quality thin films and a key technology for innovative surfaces and new products. The spectrum of application fields ranges from the hardening and tempering of metal surfaces in the automobile and tool construction industry, to the coating of architectural glass and plastics, to the treatment of surfaces for biological and medical applications and microelectronics. The applications are getting more and more demanding; process cycles, on the other hand, must be simplified in order to reduce production costs.
Main activities
The fundamental objectives of the network are to secure and expand the globally leading position of German enterprises and research institutes in the field of plasma surface technology, and to increase the level of awareness of plasma technology in the public eye. The association offers its members structures and processes for a common orientation towards the future and supports the qualified exchange of know-how and information. This way, the members are given direct access to the latest insights, current trends and research topics, as well as to new markets. In this context, the network office makes the competencies and service offers of the members known and supports them in conceiving research projects and finding project partners and funding programmes.
Besides arranging national cooperation activities, the network also encourages international cooperation in order to be able to present plasma surface technology more powerfully in foreign markets. Joint PR and marketing activities make an important contribution to supporting the technological and image leadership held by German players in plasma surface technology.
The technological focus
INPLAS sees itself as the central contact for all matters concerning
plasma surface technology. As an interdisciplinary key technology,
plasma technology is represented in the following application fields:
- optics and glass
- automotive and aerospace
- information technology and electronics
- power engineering and energy management
- environmental engineering and life science
- mechanical and agricultural engineering
- tools.
To further the strategic development of plasma surface technology,
work in the areas mentioned above is promoted in six technology-oriented
workgroups. The workgroups consist of employees of the member companies
and institutions.
Currently, the following thematically focused workgroups are active:
- new plasma sources and processes
- optical coatings
- large area coating
- wear protection of components
- hard and super-hard coatings for tools
- plasma polymers and biofunctional coatings.
The aim is to pursue project ideas, initiate and realise projects,
and develop strategic research targets in order to present a strategic
concept for the documentation of the research needs in plasma surface
technology.
